I opened it up and almost moaned at how delicious it looked.
“This is amazing, thank you.”
I dug in, spearing a bite with the fork and then shoving it in my mouth with as much dignity as I could salvage.
I couldn’t hold back the start of a moan, though. It might be a little warm from sitting around in her locker, but it was still utterly delicious. Buttery crust, creamy cheesecake, and it was made with real Maine blueberries. Not those giant abominations from away that you could get at the grocery store.
Sitting here and eating cheesecake while Vail watched was a little awkward, but it was so good that I didn’t even care. Besides, I devoured it in a few bites so it didn’t take long until I was scraping the container for a last taste.
“Wow, thank you. Seriously. I’ll wash this and get it back to you.” I was about to shove it in my bag, but she took it from me, our fingers brushing.
“No big. I’ll just toss it in the dishwasher when I get home.” She put it away and then we were sitting on the couch together without the distraction of cheesecake.
She zipped up her bag and stood up, putting the strap over her shoulder. “I should get home to the kitties. I’ll see you soon.”
“Oh, sure.” That was a bit abrupt. We seemed to be doing that lately. Having these intense moments, and then one of us would get up and run away. I didn’t like it, but I didn’t know how to change it without making things uncomfortable.
“Yeah, have a good rest of your day,” I said, as if she was just another Pilates student. “Thanks for the cheesecake.”
“You’re welcome.”
She nodded and then headed for the front door as I sat on the couch and tried to collect myself.
How did we get ourselves out of this pattern?
* * *
I spentthe rest of Sunday cleaning my place and mentally preparing for the start of the week, even doing some meal prepping.
I was taking the trash out when I ran into Stace, who was doing the same thing.
“Let me get that for you,” she said, throwing open the dumpster as if it was nothing.
“Thanks,” I said, tossing in my bag. She followed, tossing in three and then shut it again.
“I’m actually glad I ran into you. Hunter and I are having a little party next weekend and wondered if you wanted to stop by. No need to bring anything unless you want to.”
Oh. I hadn’t expected that. Caught off guard, I wasn’t sure how to respond to the smiling Stace. Her body was physically intimidating, but her grin was not. An odd mix, but it worked for her.
“No need to answer now. Just wanted to put it out there.” She raised both hands and then started backing up. “We’d love to have you.”
I had no choice but to follow her back inside the building.
“Of course. I’ll let you know.”
She saluted me and took the stairs two at a time to get to her floor, throwing a smile at me before she went inside her and Hunter’s apartment. I heard her dog barking, excited by her return.
Maybe I would go to their party. I bet James and Delaney would be going. Bringing Vail was also an option. Stace didn’t say I could bring a guest, but it seemed like a “the more, the merrier” kind of thing.
My neighbors are having a little party and I was wondering if you might want to come with me? They live just down the hall so you could come to my place.
I usually went to her, but that was because she had a whole house and I loved seeing her kitties.
She answered right away, asking when it was, and I gave her details.
Why not? Do you mind if I bring the kittens with me and just leave them at your place? I know that’s a lot to ask.
My mind started spinning with ideas about kitten-proofing my place, but she might as well.
